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Liverpool news: Owen and Hargreaves left surprised at THIS bold decision from Klopp
FABINHO’s exclusion from Liverpool’s starting XI against Bayern Munich on Wednesday caused surprise in the BT Sport studio.
Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp praises his side after Bayern Munich win
Brazil midfielder Fabinho was left out of the Liverpool side for the Champions League last-16 second leg clash. He played the first leg at centre-back due to Virgil van Dijk being absent through suspension.
Fabinho has been a regular in midfield of late but James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson were preferred at the Allianz Arena.
Yet captain Henderson went off injured early in the first half with a foot problem, with Fabinho replacing him.
Liverpool went on to win the game 3-1 with Sadio Mane netting a brace and Van Dijk scoring a header to send the Reds into the quarter finals.
I thought Fabinho would have played, I must be honest
But pre-match, former Liverpool striker Michael Owen felt Fabinho being left out was the only questionable decision from manager Jurgen Klopp on the night.
“No question about the goalkeeper, the back four, with Van Dijk obviously coming back from suspension and the front three,” Owen said.
“The question was in midfield.
“I didn’t expect [Adam] Lallana to play having not played for a while and then to play two games in a short period of time would have been probably unwise.
“I thought Fabinho would have played, I must be honest, and I wasn’t sure about Milner.
“So that midfield area was the only question mark.”
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves also questioned the absence of Fabinho.
“I think Milner plays because he gets you goals and assists, he’s a very creative force as well,” Hargreaves said.
“I’m surprised Fabinho’s not playing.
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“I think he’s their best defensive midfield player in that position.
“But he’s gone for tried and tested in Henderson, Milner and Wijnaldum.
“But Van Dijk back, that’s such a big plus for Liverpool.”